Bernie Ecclestone orchestrates move to oust Max Mosley

Max Moseley, the president of the FIA, motor racing's ruling body, faced a move to oust him yesterday from Bernie Ecclestone, widely regarded as the most influential figure in the sport.

Mr Mosley, 68, has been fighting for his job for a month since a tabloid newspaper reported that he had paid £2,500 for a sado-masochistic "orgy" with five prostitutes.

Mr Ecclestone asked the Formula 1 racing teams, who are in Barcelona for today's Spanish Grand Prix, to sign a letter demanding Mr Mosley's resignation. Seven of the 11 team principals did so, three refused and one was not present.

In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Telegraph last week, Mr Mosley admitted his behaviour was "eccentric" but insisted it was legal and harmless.